The vote could be a defining moment for the country on matters relating to security, sovereignty, immigration and law making powers.

As the arguments to leave and remain continue to rage and the political ramifications are debated we thought readers might find it useful if we explained what will be happening, why, when and how you can vote.

Why are we having a referendum on EU membership?

The UK will hold a referendum this month after David Cameron made a promise that if he won the 2015 general election the country would have an 'in/out' referendum.

He made the decision after increasing pressure from his own party and the electoral popularity of UKIP.

Those lobbying for a vote argued that the UK has not had a say on the EU since 1975 when the country voted to stay in the EU in a referendum.

When does the referendum take place?

The referendum will be held on Thursday, 23 June with the result being announced the following day in Manchester.

What will the ballot paper actually say?

The question asked will be: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”

There will be two options; one that reads "remain a member of the European Union" and another which says "leave the European Union". You put a cross in one box

EU referendum countdown

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When do I vote?

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 23 June 2016.

When will we know the result?

Counting gets underway after the polls close at 10pm on the 23rd. It will take place at 382 local centres around the UK and the results will be declared before the totals are collated at 12 regional centres which will then declare their results.

The overall result will be announced the next morning at Manchester Town Hall.

(Image: Ben Pruchnie/PA Wire)

What will happen if the UK votes to leave the EU?

Should voters choose for Britain to exit the EU the Prime Minister will put into action Article 50 – the formal mechanism for leaving the EU. Two years or more of negotiations would then follow.

David Cameron has said that he would stay Prime Minister regardless of the result, but he would come under huge pressure to resign having thrown his weight behind the remain vote.